30k budget? 987 cayman s, 981 boxster or A45 amg?
Discussion
JayK12 said:
Never driven a 987 but spent the last 3 years in gutted out, manual, simple track / race cars, so I know about driver involvement.......the the 981 wasn't involving to drive, i wouldn't be in one.... It could be more involving but your summary is incorrect imo.
I think you mean "IF the 981 wasn't involving to drive, I wouldn't be in one?
Me too. As an RAC competition license holder back in the day, I'm with you.
I think your being a little unfair on the 981. General consensus is it has some very minor shortfalls to make it an overall far superior car. Hope it's not just bling. driving one this weekend!
DavidJG said:
I think I'll just sum up the overall verdict so far:
If you want Bling, but a 981.
If you want driver involvement, buy a 987.
Guess it comes down to personal taste. I've driven a couple of 981s now, and I won't be getting rid of my 987. But then, Bling doesn't interest me.
If you want Bling, but a 981.
If you want driver involvement, buy a 987.
Guess it comes down to personal taste. I've driven a couple of 981s now, and I won't be getting rid of my 987. But then, Bling doesn't interest me.
j8bbk said:
I think your being a little unfair on the 981. General consensus is it has some very minor shortfalls to make it an overall far superior car. Hope it's not just bling. driving one this weekend!
I wouldn't worry I think you'll love the 981, the key thing that jumps out for me in this thread is that if you've not owned s boxster than whatever you drive will be awesome.DavidJG said:
I think I'll just sum up the overall verdict so far:
If you want Bling, but a 981.
If you want driver involvement, buy a 987.
Guess it comes down to personal taste. I've driven a couple of 981s now, and I won't be getting rid of my 987. But then, Bling doesn't interest me.
If you want Bling, but a 981.
If you want driver involvement, buy a 987.
Guess it comes down to personal taste. I've driven a couple of 981s now, and I won't be getting rid of my 987. But then, Bling doesn't interest me.
Differences between models are minor but because the ownership is so emotive the small things matter to owners.
Now I have a 987 I don't see the urge to get a 981 but if I had bought a 981 I couldn't see myself looking for a 987 if that makes sense.
Whatever you do as long as it grabs you it will be awesome!
j8bbk said:
I think your being a little unfair on the 981. General consensus is it has some very minor shortfalls to make it an overall far superior car. Hope it's not just bling. driving one this weekend!
Compared to what you're driving already, I had a TTS, you've got an A1... you already know what bling is my friend. Yes the 981 is a nice place to be, some nice touches inside etc., but when it comes to the driving experience, you will notice a serious upgrade to what you current steed can serve up. I look forward to your thoughts after the drive.DavidJG said:
I think I'll just sum up the overall verdict so far:
If you want Bling, but a 981.
If you want driver involvement, buy a 987.
Guess it comes down to personal taste. I've driven a couple of 981s now, and I won't be getting rid of my 987. But then, Bling doesn't interest me.
If you want Bling, but a 981.
If you want driver involvement, buy a 987.
Guess it comes down to personal taste. I've driven a couple of 981s now, and I won't be getting rid of my 987. But then, Bling doesn't interest me.
I don't get the point that the 981 is just 'bling' though. I'm hoping its more than just cosmetic for the extra £10k outlay - hoping for some dynamic improvements. But at the same time interior finish is high on my list or I would be more keen on a Lotus. Yes, I'm aware what bling is.. but I wouldn't consider a hyper hatch with 4wd that looks like a cooking A1 just bling. If anything it doesn't look 30k worth - a TT is what I would consider 'bling'.
HighwayStar said:
Compared to what you're driving already, I had a TTS, you've got an A1... you already know what bling is my friend. Yes the 981 is a nice place to be, some nice touches inside etc., but when it comes to the driving experience, you will notice a serious upgrade to what you current steed can serve up. I look forward to your thoughts after the drive.
Edited by j8bbk on Friday 2nd September 12:37
j8bbk said:
I'm a little lost at what point your trying to make?
I don't get the point that the 981 is just 'bling'. I'm hoping its more than just that for the extra £10k outlay. But at the same time interior finish is high on my list or I would be more keen on a Lotus. Yes, I'm aware what bling is.. but I wouldn't consider a hyper hatch with 4wd that looks like a cooking A1 just bling. If anything it doesn't look 30k worth - a TT is what I would consider 'bling'.
ok... What I was trying to say is this. Audi do nice interiors, nice place to sit etc.. The generally consensus round these parts are Audi's are bling, nicely present but disconnected from the drive when it comes to the business of drive. Fast yes, but no feedback or involvement. No soul.I don't get the point that the 981 is just 'bling'. I'm hoping its more than just that for the extra £10k outlay. But at the same time interior finish is high on my list or I would be more keen on a Lotus. Yes, I'm aware what bling is.. but I wouldn't consider a hyper hatch with 4wd that looks like a cooking A1 just bling. If anything it doesn't look 30k worth - a TT is what I would consider 'bling'.
HighwayStar said:
Compared to what you're driving already, I had a TTS, you've got an A1... you already know what bling is my friend. Yes the 981 is a nice place to be, some nice touches inside etc., but when it comes to the driving experience, you will notice a serious upgrade to what you current steed can serve up. I look forward to your thoughts after the drive.
The 981 IMO looks great inside, well presented and certainly doesn't look cheap. So, as you've mentioned nice touches inside, it's all good. The Porsche has got that covered.
When you drive it though, that's when it will makes sense to you, even sitting on traffic that flat six adds drama, has a presence that no turbo 4 hot hatch is going serve up. When you press on, the noise is wonderful and the car works with you. You can feel it. Get it on some decent B roads if you can and you'll find out for yourself.
The 981 delivers on interior finish and driving experience.
In the same way all 911 drivers perhaps believe their chosen model is the best, for their own reasons, I think the same applies to the 986/987/981/718.
When I see a 987 Cayman I think "Oooh look, another Cayman" and not "Ah, poor sod, driving an old model."
They will all become classic cars for differing reasons perhaps but mainly because they're all a great looking, great driving, Porsche.
When I see a 987 Cayman I think "Oooh look, another Cayman" and not "Ah, poor sod, driving an old model."
They will all become classic cars for differing reasons perhaps but mainly because they're all a great looking, great driving, Porsche.
Porsche911R said:
981 is better in every way ;-)
Bar enjoyment ;-)
I drove two 987.2 Caymans, and bought a 981 as the better, more "enjoyable" car.Bar enjoyment ;-)
You did the opposite perhaps? But... we're all different, with differing opinions, requirements, and driving "needs".
It's just down to personal likes and dislikes, as with food, travel, women...
Ahhh Gotcha... Thanks for explaining HighwayStar.
That 'specialness' is what I'm looking for. If the 981 provides the interior finish and the driving experience it has every box ticked for me. In which case its well worth the premium over a 987. Will report back after a drive!
That 'specialness' is what I'm looking for. If the 981 provides the interior finish and the driving experience it has every box ticked for me. In which case its well worth the premium over a 987. Will report back after a drive!
HighwayStar said:
ok... What I was trying to say is this. Audi do nice interiors, nice place to sit etc.. The generally consensus round these parts are Audi's are bling, nicely present but disconnected from the drive when it comes to the business of drive. Fast yes, but no feedback or involvement. No soul.
The 981 IMO looks great inside, well presented and certainly doesn't look cheap. So, as you've mentioned nice touches inside, it's all good. The Porsche has got that covered.
When you drive it though, that's when it will makes sense to you, even sitting on traffic that flat six adds drama, has a presence that no turbo 4 hot hatch is going serve up. When you press on, the noise is wonderful and the car works with you. You can feel it. Get it on some decent B roads if you can and you'll find out for yourself.
The 981 delivers on interior finish and driving experience.
The 981 IMO looks great inside, well presented and certainly doesn't look cheap. So, as you've mentioned nice touches inside, it's all good. The Porsche has got that covered.
When you drive it though, that's when it will makes sense to you, even sitting on traffic that flat six adds drama, has a presence that no turbo 4 hot hatch is going serve up. When you press on, the noise is wonderful and the car works with you. You can feel it. Get it on some decent B roads if you can and you'll find out for yourself.
The 981 delivers on interior finish and driving experience.
I think you should try all the cars you're interested in and then decide.
I love my Cayman R but it wasn't always the case.
Also last year I had the opportunity to drive a base 981, a 981S and 981GTS back to back. I noticed a significant difference between the 3 - all lovely cars though. Got into the R at the end of the day and thought "I've definitely got the better car". No the interior doesn't match up to the 981 but the driving experience is better. I did like all of the 981s I drove, they are great cars but IMHO the 987 R is better.
I love my Cayman R but it wasn't always the case.
Also last year I had the opportunity to drive a base 981, a 981S and 981GTS back to back. I noticed a significant difference between the 3 - all lovely cars though. Got into the R at the end of the day and thought "I've definitely got the better car". No the interior doesn't match up to the 981 but the driving experience is better. I did like all of the 981s I drove, they are great cars but IMHO the 987 R is better.
J-P said:
I think you should try all the cars you're interested in and then decide.
I love my Cayman R but it wasn't always the case.
Also last year I had the opportunity to drive a base 981, a 981S and 981GTS back to back. I noticed a significant difference between the 3 - all lovely cars though. Got into the R at the end of the day and thought "I've definitely got the better car". No the interior doesn't match up to the 981 but the driving experience is better. I did like all of the 981s I drove, they are great cars but IMHO the 987 R is better.
Surely the gas is the only one that would be comparable to an R anyway?I love my Cayman R but it wasn't always the case.
Also last year I had the opportunity to drive a base 981, a 981S and 981GTS back to back. I noticed a significant difference between the 3 - all lovely cars though. Got into the R at the end of the day and thought "I've definitely got the better car". No the interior doesn't match up to the 981 but the driving experience is better. I did like all of the 981s I drove, they are great cars but IMHO the 987 R is better.
chriscoates81 said:
J-P said:
I think you should try all the cars you're interested in and then decide.
I love my Cayman R but it wasn't always the case.
Also last year I had the opportunity to drive a base 981, a 981S and 981GTS back to back. I noticed a significant difference between the 3 - all lovely cars though. Got into the R at the end of the day and thought "I've definitely got the better car". No the interior doesn't match up to the 981 but the driving experience is better. I did like all of the 981s I drove, they are great cars but IMHO the 987 R is better.
Surely the gas is the only one that would be comparable to an R anyway?I love my Cayman R but it wasn't always the case.
Also last year I had the opportunity to drive a base 981, a 981S and 981GTS back to back. I noticed a significant difference between the 3 - all lovely cars though. Got into the R at the end of the day and thought "I've definitely got the better car". No the interior doesn't match up to the 981 but the driving experience is better. I did like all of the 981s I drove, they are great cars but IMHO the 987 R is better.
I ended up with a 987.2 Cayman S from similar budget/requirements. Also looked at 997.1 S (engine worries put me off) and Lotus Evora S - more of an event/experience to drive, interior quality not quite there, much rarer (both good and bad, if you like the exclusivity/attention but harder to find) and the best part of £10k more though will probably hold that value.
Lots of opinion of this subject - I thought I'd add mine! 
My first Porker was a 987.1 Cayman S in Guards red. I bought it in 2009 and had a blast for nearly 18 months but I had the Neunelfer in my head... So I "invested" in a 997.1 C4S. It was incredible, but really expensive to drive - 6000miles on a set of shoes at £1.5k a time, 18mpg everywhere, servicing was astronomical. It was gone in 9 months. I lost £16k in that period in depreciation...
(I bought it for £45k and sold it for £29k) - I swore that I'd never get another porker again. So I went and bought a BMW 335d. That lasted for nearly 2 years and then I gave in and bought my current 987.2S Cayman Black Edition Manual. It really is great, such an analogue experience.
So, I've had it for nearly 3 years and recently I got the 981 bug. So 3 tests drives later I realise that the thing that I *think I want is the updated looks and the interior to match. It turned out those things are not that important to my driving experience. I had a 981S for the weekend a couple of weeks ago, and it left me a bit cold. Yes the looks are better, yes the tech is better, yes it's more refined...
But isn't that the whole thing with a sports car? Doesn't it need imperfections and feel? Shouldn't it be raw, exciting and a little unrefined? That's the reason that I'm keeping my Black Edition. It is raw, it is exciting, its definitely quick enough, and it's got all the kit I need. Yes I'd love a better Nav, I'd also like the updated looks/interior, but not at the expense of the analogue driving experience. Something, in my opinion, the 981 (and probably the 781) doesn't deliver.
Just my two cents...
My first Porker was a 987.1 Cayman S in Guards red. I bought it in 2009 and had a blast for nearly 18 months but I had the Neunelfer in my head... So I "invested" in a 997.1 C4S. It was incredible, but really expensive to drive - 6000miles on a set of shoes at £1.5k a time, 18mpg everywhere, servicing was astronomical. It was gone in 9 months. I lost £16k in that period in depreciation...
(I bought it for £45k and sold it for £29k) - I swore that I'd never get another porker again. So I went and bought a BMW 335d. That lasted for nearly 2 years and then I gave in and bought my current 987.2S Cayman Black Edition Manual. It really is great, such an analogue experience.So, I've had it for nearly 3 years and recently I got the 981 bug. So 3 tests drives later I realise that the thing that I *think I want is the updated looks and the interior to match. It turned out those things are not that important to my driving experience. I had a 981S for the weekend a couple of weeks ago, and it left me a bit cold. Yes the looks are better, yes the tech is better, yes it's more refined...
But isn't that the whole thing with a sports car? Doesn't it need imperfections and feel? Shouldn't it be raw, exciting and a little unrefined? That's the reason that I'm keeping my Black Edition. It is raw, it is exciting, its definitely quick enough, and it's got all the kit I need. Yes I'd love a better Nav, I'd also like the updated looks/interior, but not at the expense of the analogue driving experience. Something, in my opinion, the 981 (and probably the 781) doesn't deliver.
Just my two cents...
bingles said:
Lots of opinion of this subject - I thought I'd add mine!
My first Porker was a 987.1 Cayman S in Guards red. I bought it in 2009 and had a blast for nearly 18 months but I had the Neunelfer in my head... So I "invested" in a 997.1 C4S. It was incredible, but really expensive to drive - 6000miles on a set of shoes at £1.5k a time, 18mpg everywhere, servicing was astronomical. It was gone in 9 months. I lost £16k in that period in depreciation... (I bought it for £45k and sold it for £29k) - I swore that I'd never get another porker again. So I went and bought a BMW 335d. That lasted for nearly 2 years and then I gave in and bought my current 987.2S Cayman Black Edition Manual. It really is great, such an analogue experience.
So, I've had it for nearly 3 years and recently I got the 981 bug. So 3 tests drives later I realise that the thing that I *think I want is the updated looks and the interior to match. It turned out those things are not that important to my driving experience. I had a 981S for the weekend a couple of weeks ago, and it left me a bit cold. Yes the looks are better, yes the tech is better, yes it's more refined...
But isn't that the whole thing with a sports car? Doesn't it need imperfections and feel? Shouldn't it be raw, exciting and a little unrefined? That's the reason that I'm keeping my Black Edition. It is raw, it is exciting, its definitely quick enough, and it's got all the kit I need. Yes I'd love a better Nav, I'd also like the updated looks/interior, but not at the expense of the analogue driving experience. Something, in my opinion, the 981 (and probably the 781) doesn't deliver.
Just my two cents...
I have a 981 CS but what you say makes sense. If I'd have driven the 987 I'd have likely felt the same way. I loved the idea of the 987 when it came out but it always looked a little awkward, not quite right IMO. The 981 nailed it for me but, not that I'm disappointed in anyway, I do sometimes wonder how much better it would be with 'proper' steering. My best mate has a Cayman R so I'll find out soon enough.My first Porker was a 987.1 Cayman S in Guards red. I bought it in 2009 and had a blast for nearly 18 months but I had the Neunelfer in my head... So I "invested" in a 997.1 C4S. It was incredible, but really expensive to drive - 6000miles on a set of shoes at £1.5k a time, 18mpg everywhere, servicing was astronomical. It was gone in 9 months. I lost £16k in that period in depreciation...
(I bought it for £45k and sold it for £29k) - I swore that I'd never get another porker again. So I went and bought a BMW 335d. That lasted for nearly 2 years and then I gave in and bought my current 987.2S Cayman Black Edition Manual. It really is great, such an analogue experience.So, I've had it for nearly 3 years and recently I got the 981 bug. So 3 tests drives later I realise that the thing that I *think I want is the updated looks and the interior to match. It turned out those things are not that important to my driving experience. I had a 981S for the weekend a couple of weeks ago, and it left me a bit cold. Yes the looks are better, yes the tech is better, yes it's more refined...
But isn't that the whole thing with a sports car? Doesn't it need imperfections and feel? Shouldn't it be raw, exciting and a little unrefined? That's the reason that I'm keeping my Black Edition. It is raw, it is exciting, its definitely quick enough, and it's got all the kit I need. Yes I'd love a better Nav, I'd also like the updated looks/interior, but not at the expense of the analogue driving experience. Something, in my opinion, the 981 (and probably the 781) doesn't deliver.
Just my two cents...
J-P said:
I've got used to the somewhat naff interior of the 987.2. Quite like it now, reminds me that I have it for the way it drives, not the interior.
Ooooh... Cheap shot . I doubt most on here, me included, have a 981 simply because of the interior. If that was the case I'd be in a MK3 TTS.Gassing Station | Boxster/Cayman | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff